The process begins with the start of hostilities. ICRC teams ensure that parties to a conflict understand their obligations towards the dead and encourage them to work together to facilitate the recovery and identification of the deceased.
In a conflict zone where control over territory is changing hands, landmines and munitions litter the landscape and emotions are running high, this is easier said than done.
The actual work of collecting human remains is carried out by the relevant authorities. The ICRC's role is to facilitate operations, as a neutral intermediary, so that they can progress as smoothly as possible.
To date, the ICRC has participated in more than 170 recovery missions in relation to the escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict last year. More than 1.600 bodies have been recovered since the ceasefire, according to authorities.
When collecting the deceased from the battlefield, all information is vital to improve the chances of identification. The GPS location of where the remains are located must be recorded so that authorities can compare it with military data.
Human remains should be placed in separate body bags along with any clothing or personal belongings that may assist in the identification process.
"The importance of possessions to families cannot be overstated," Taylor said.
"Objects that belong to loved ones, such as a watch, can evoke strong emotions and help families come to terms with their loss."
Families are fundamental to the process. At first, they provide personal details about missing loved ones. Later, if necessary, a DNA sample can be requested from them.
But this is not a simple box-ticking exercise. Interviews with families are conducted by trained staff in order to provide them with as much reassurance and support as possible.
The family's religious beliefs should also be taken into account, as different religions may have their own cultural practices when it comes to handling the dead.